AFC Bournemouth: Simon Francis signs new three-year contract

Bournemouth defender Simon Francis has signed a new three-year contract with the Championship newcomers.

Francis made 48 appearances for the Cherries last season and was also named in the League One team of the year.

"I'm delighted. It was a no-brainer really, it didn't take much time to negotiate at all.

"I really wanted to stay and be a part of what is happening at the club and the manager obviously felt the same," Francis told BBC Radio Solent.

The 28-year-old's previous deal was set to expire next summer, but he will now remain at the club until 2016.

"I'm really settled and happy off the pitch, which plays a massive part in performance on the pitch.

"There's such a good set-up at the club and I think Bournemouth are where they belong now, in the Championship," he added.

Fellow defender Steve Cook put pen to paper on a new three-year contract at the Goldsands Stadium last week.